Question

Jesus is also known for his emphasis on loving your neighbor as yourself. He stated, "Love one another, as I have loved you." Share your thoughts on these words of Jesus. Are they too idealistic, or do they have practical implications both locally and internationally? How might Confucius react to these words? Zoroaster? Guru Nanak? Share your thoughts in a lively discussion.

Answer 1

• Yes it is practical in the long term to be loving, good, kind, compassionate etc. We humans are designed to be fragile and easily perish mentally or physically if we don't cooperate with each other and don't look out for each other. But obviously,the concept of loving your enemies too seems too idealistic in the real world since nobody is that selfless in the world we are living in. Someone who has done really bad with us,it is more likely that we wont forgive them ever. But,the fact is you cant even go like this all your life,a time will come when one will realise that holding grudges is of no use and loving everyone and forgiving everyone is the only option that would be left.

• Only humans can help humans and by living in cooperation with each other would be leading to a healthy and happy life. The notion of doing good to others so that they do good to you holds true and Guru Nanakji also emphasises on that. He also preached the same thing.We need to remember their message of love for all our "neighbours" - high and low, black and white, men and women too.